Merit badge days are often hosted by [[local councils]], districts, [[troops]], civic groups, fraternities, or [[chartered organizations]] and held at a college campus, high school, civic area or during a camporee. Many merit badge days are held once or twice a year, often in the fall, winter, or spring.

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The largest merit badge event is the [[National Jamboree]] Merit Badge Midway established at Fort A.P. Hill. Since 1981, this program has been held at each jamboree and is expected to feature hundreds of counselors offering nearly 100 merit badges to thousands of Boy Scouts at the [[2010 National Scout Jamboree]].

+

Merit badge days are often hosted by [[local councils]], districts, [[troops]], civic groups, fraternities, or [[chartered organizations]] and held at a college campus, high school, civic area or during a [[camporee]]. Many merit badge events are held once a year as an indoor, outdoor, or combination event.

+

The largest merit badge event is the [[National Jamboree]] Merit Badge Midway, established at Fort A.P. Hill. Since 1981, this program has been held at each jamboree and is expected to feature hundreds of counselors offering nearly 100 merit badges to thousands of Boy Scouts at the [[2010 National Scout Jamboree]].

+

+

Since 1960, the Utah National Parks Council has sponsored a merit badge event called a Pow Wow. In 1970, the event began partnering officially with Brigham Young University. In 2009, over 4,300 scouts participated in earning merit badges at the event. In 2010, 32 different merit badges will be offered at this Pow Wow.

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==Overview==

==Overview==

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A merit badge day let's Scouts learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. A merit badge day may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or offer a variety of fields to explore that might not normally be available. Observatories, planetariums, parks, museums, ships, colleges, universities, police, and fire departments may offer special events available only to Scouts and only one day each year. Scouts might learn first-hand from dentists, veterinaries, doctors, lawyers, financial planners, engineers, chemists, artists, astronomers, scientists, and other experts.

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A merit badge event lets Scouts learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. An event may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or a variety of fields that might not normally be available. Observatories, planetariums, parks, museums, ships, colleges, universities, as well as police and fire departments may offer special events available only to Scouts and only one day each year. Scouts might learn first-hand from dentists, veterinarians, doctors, lawyers, financial planners, engineers, chemists, artists, astronomers, scientists, firemen, policemen, and other experts.

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Many merit badge events also offer training in the skills needed through the [[First Class Rank]] as well as adult and youth leader training. Regardless of the setting or content, the goal is to have fun as you learn new skills and gain knowledge.

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Often certain requirements must be completed outside of the merit badge day either as preparation or in completing the work with a [[merit badge counselor]] back home.

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==Boy Scout Requirements==

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Most merit badge days follow the [[Boy Scout Requirements]] and [[Advancement Policies]].

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{{Main|Merit Badge Introduction}}

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{{BSR}}<br>

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{{quote-source|

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* ''"Any Boy Scout may earn any [[merit badge]] at any time. You don't need to have had rank advancement to be eligible."

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* ''"Unless otherwise specified, work for a requirement can be started at any time."

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* ''"You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated—no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements."

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* ''"You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements."''|[[Boy Scout Requirements]] p. 22 - 23.}}

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==Advancement Policies==

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Merit badge events may also offer training in [[Scout Skills]] through [[First Class]] with a schedule similar to an [[Advancement Campout]]. [[New Leader Training|Adult training]], and youth leader training are often offered as well. Regardless of the setting or topics, the goal is to have fun as you learn new skills and gain knowledge.

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{{Main|Advancement Policies}}

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{{AdvancementPolicies}}

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Often certain requirements must be completed outside of the merit badge event either as preparation or with a merit badge counselor at a later date. A merit badge event may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or offer a variety of topics such as:

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;Group Instruction of Merit Badges

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{{Main|Group Instruction of Merit Badges}}

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{{quote-source|…Group instruction and orientation are encouraged where special facilities and expert personnel make this most practical, or when Scouts are dependent on only a few counselors for assistance. However, this group experience should be followed by attention to each individual candidate's projects and his ability to fulfill all requirements.

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'''''In the end, the Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badges requirements.'''''|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 26)}}

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;Troop and Team Merit Badge Counselors

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{{Main|Troop and Team Merit Badge Counselors}}

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{{quote-source|…All merit badge counselors, even those who serve only one unit, must be approved by the council and district advancement committee, and counselors must register as a merit badge counselor (see "Qualifications of Counselors" above).|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 14)}}

{{quote-source|<big>''Clause 13.''</big> The responsibility for [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badges]] shall rest with the merit badge counselor approved by the local council and district advancement committee. Merit badge counselors shall be registered adult members of the Boy Scouts of America. The merit badge counselor shall prepare and qualify youth members. There shall be no board of review procedure for merit badges, but public recognition may be given at a unit court of honor or other suitable occasion.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 17)}}

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;Qualifications of Counselors

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{{Main|Qualifications of Counselors}}

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{{quote-source|Persons serving as merit badge counselors must be registered as a merit badge counselor with the Boy Scouts of America. They must be men and women of good character, age 18 or older, and recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects for which they are to serve as merit badge counselors, as well as the ability to work with Scout-age boys.

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Register merit badge counselors by using the [[adult leader]] application. All merit badge counselors must be approved by the council advancement committee. Merit badge counselors are not required to pay a fee if they are only registered as merit badge counselors.

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There is no restriction or limit on the number of [[Merit Badge Worksheets|merit badges]] an individual may be approved to counsel for, but they must be approved by the committee for each specific merit badge.

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All merit badge counselors must be trained in the aims of Scouting and in advancement procedures.|[[Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 13)}}

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==Merit Badges Offered==

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A merit badge day may focus on a single [[merit badge]] or offer a variety of fields to explore that might not normally be available.

[[Merit Badge Worksheets]] allow [[Merit Badge Counselors]] to offer group instruction but still test each Scout individually. The counselor can see who is understanding and who will need more time. Worksheets require the Scout to be an active listener not just hearing words but understanding concepts.

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==Cub Scout Belt Loop Days==

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:''Main:[[Merit Badge Policies]]

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There are also many Cub Scout Belt Loop Days are sometimes called Loopapaloza's that may be offered at the same time as a merit badge day or as a separate event.

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;All [[Merit Badge Counselor]]s must be:

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* '''Qualified''': ''"They must be men and women of good character, age 18 or older, and recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects for which they are to serve as merit badge counselors, as well as the ability to work with Scout-age boys. - [[Qualifications of Counselors|Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 13

* "''In the end, the Scout must be reviewed individually by the counselor to ensure completion of the badges requirements.''" - [[Group Instruction of Merit Badges|Advancement Policies]] #33088, p. 26

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* ''"You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated -- no more and no less. You are expected to do exactly what is stated in the requirements."'' - [[Merit Badge Policies#Key Rules|Boy Scout Requirements]] p.23

Each Scout demonstrates the skills and knowledge for each requirement. Many merit badge events use [[Merit Badge Worksheets]] to allow [[Merit Badge Counselors]] to offer group instruction but still test each Scout individually. The counselor can see who is understanding and who will need more time. Optional worksheets require the Scout to be an active listener, not just hearing words, but showing understanding of concepts.

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In two morning and two afternoon sessions, Cub Scouts may earn up to four [[Belt Loops]]. [[Cub Scout Worksheets]] are also available for all belt loops and pins.

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==Webelos Days==

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==Controversies==

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Similarly, a Webelos Day or Webelos Workshop may be scheduled to coincide with other events or as a separate event. Indoor settings [[Webelos]] might work on [[Readyman]], [[Citizen]], [[Scientist]], [[Craftsman]], or [[Engineer]]. In outdoor settings, Webelos Days might include [[Outdoorsman]], [[Aquanaut]], [[Naturalist]], [[Forester]], or [[Geologist]]. [[Webelos Worksheets]] for all 20 Activity Badges.

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Many merit badge events follow the Boy Scout Requirements and Advancement Policies. But some merit badge events instead state that it is the ''merit badge counselor'', not the Scout, who is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge. They test the merit badge counselor, not the Scouts.

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One event states that: ''"[http://www.skcbsa.org/buckeye/activities/meritbadge.pdf Counselors will do their best to complete requirements not listed as prerequisites.]"''

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Instead of each Scout being tested individually, at the $75 SeaWorld Boy Scout sleepover, every participant gets pizza, a t-shirt, and completes a merit badge: ''"[http://www.seaworld.org/adventure-camps/swt/sleepover/group/boy-scout.htm Scouts who participate will receive certificate of completion for the Mammal Study merit badge , a complimentary t-shirt, pizza dinner and continental breakfast.]"''

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==Cub Scout & Webelos Events==

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Similar Cub Scout events, sometimes called Loopapaloza's or Cub-O-Ree's, may include games and fun that often naturally lead into belt loops. These may be offered at the same time as a merit badge event or as a separate event. These events may focus on [[Cub Scout Academics]] belt loops such as [[Cub Scout Heritages|Heritages]], [[Cub Scout Language and Culture|Language and Culture]], [[Cub Scout Map and Compass|Map and Compass]], [[Cub Scout Science|Science]], and [[Cub Scout Weather|Weather]]. They might also cover [[Cub Scout Sports]] belt loops such as [[Cub Scout Badminton|Badminton]], [[Cub Scout Flag Football|Flag Football]], [[Cub Scout Softball|Softball]], [[Cub Scout Ultimate|Ultimate]], and [[Cub Scout Volleyball|Volleyball]]. These events often use the [[Cub Scout Worksheets]].

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A Webelos Day or Webelos Workshop may also coincide with other events or as a separate event. For indoor settings, [[Webelos]] might work on [[Readyman]], [[Citizen]], [[Scientist]], [[Craftsman]], or [[Engineer]]. In outdoor settings, Webelos Days might include [[Outdoorsman]], [[Aquanaut]], [[Naturalist]], [[Forester]], or [[Geologist]]. [[Webelos Worksheets]] for all 20 Activity Badges. [[Webelos Activity Badge Worksheets|Webelos Worksheets]] can also help.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9809/a-astr.html Astronomy for Scout Groups] - Observing the stars and planets makes a great group activity.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9809/a-astr.html Astronomy for Scout Groups] - Observing the stars and planets makes a great group activity.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-mbfa.html Merit Badges and Five Arrows]- South Florida Council<nowiki>'</nowiki>s annual college, 900 Scouts earn all or part of more than 2,800 merit badges, while another 400 Scouts work toward First Class in a special advancement program.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-mbfa.html Merit Badges and Five Arrows]- South Florida Council's annual college, 900 Scouts earn all or part of more than 2,800 merit badges, while another 400 Scouts work toward First Class.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-disc.html Days of Discovery] - Missouri merit badge college

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-disc.html Days of Discovery] - Missouri merit badge college

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0111/a-tech.html High-Tech Badges and High-Ideal Lives] - The annual merit badge weekend at the U.S. Naval Academy lets Scouts and midshipmen share good times and common values.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0111/a-tech.html High-Tech Badges and High-Ideal Lives] - The annual merit badge weekend at the U.S. Naval Academy lets Scouts and midshipmen share good times and common values.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0311/a-tool.html Tools of the Trade] - A Wisconsin troop<nowiki>'</nowiki>s annual Home Improvement Camporee gives Scouts hands-on experience in the building trades while they perform a service project.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0311/a-tool.html Tools of the Trade] - A Wisconsin Home Improvement [[Camporee]] gives Scouts hands-on experience in the building trades while they perform a service project.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-grtt.html Great Times at Merit Badge U] - Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity, hosts a day on the University of Texas campus in Austin for Boy Scouts and Venturers to work on merit badges and other outdoor skills.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-grtt.html Great Times at Merit Badge U] - Alpha Phi Omega hosts a day on the University of Texas campus in Austin for work on merit badges and other outdoor skills.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-blst.html What a Blast!] - Hands-on experience, quality instructors, great facilities, and fun have made this Utah merit badge event a soaring success for 48 years.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0409/a-blst.html What a Blast!] - Hands-on experience, quality instructors, great facilities, and fun have made this Utah merit badge event a soaring success for 48 years.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0501/a-trek.html Trek Into History] - The Henry Ford serves as the ideal vehicle for a weekend of learning and fun for Detroit-area Scouts.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0501/a-trek.html Trek Into History] - The Henry Ford Museum serves as the ideal vehicle for a weekend of learning and fun for Detroit-area Scouts.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0505/a-frst.html A Garden State First] - New Jersey State Police team with five local Scout councils to host 6,100 campers for a first mega-camporee dedicated to learning about law enforcement.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0505/a-frst.html A Garden State First] - New Jersey State Police team with five local Scout councils to host 6,100 campers for mega-[[camporee]] dedicated to learning about law enforcement.

* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0005/a-rndz.html Rendezvous at Ripley] - Five Scout councils team with a National Guard facility to host 9,000 campers at a mega camporee filled with history themes, action centers, and merit badge workshops.'''

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0005/a-rndz.html Rendezvous at Ripley] - Five councils team with a National Guard facility to host 9,000 campers at a mega [[camporee]] filled with history, action centers, and merit badge workshops.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9901/a-ecmp.html A Boost Toward Eagle] - A council<nowiki>'</nowiki>s special camp helps older Scouts move up the Trail to Eagle by offering instruction in required merit badges - plus a healthy dose of high adventure.'''

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9901/a-ecmp.html A Boost Toward Eagle] - A council's special camp helps older Scouts move up the Trail to Eagle by offering instruction in required merit badges - plus a healthy dose of high adventure.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-dsbl.html Seeing Beyond Disabilities] - A special camporee lets Scouts personally experience the impact of different physical handicaps and also realize that such limitations need not keep a person from living a full life.'''

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9810/a-dsbl.html Seeing Beyond Disabilities] - A special [[camporee]] lets Scouts see the impact of different handicaps and realize that such limitations need not keep a person from living a full life.

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9910/a-goco.html To God and Country] - Georgia and Alabama Scouts convene at a site rich in historical significance for a weekend focusing on issues of citizenship and the importance of spirituality in their lives plus [[American Cultures]] and [[American Heritage]] merit badges.'

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* [http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9910/a-goco.html To God and Country] - Georgia and Alabama Scouts convene at a site rich in historical significance for a weekend focusing on issues of citizenship and the importance of spirituality in their lives plus [[American Cultures]] and [[American Heritage]] merit badges.

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==See also==

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==External Links==

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{{Merit Badge See Also}}

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* [http://www.meritbadge.info/ Listing of Merit Badge Days] throughout the US.

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*[[Jamboree on the Air]]

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;Merit Badge Events With Stated Policies of Testing Each Scout

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* [http://www.p2e.org/ Rainbow Council Pathways to Eagle]

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: ''"The Scout needs to have read the merit badge pamphlet BEFORE the session and be prepared for each of the requirements."''

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: ''"The purpose of the Boy Scout Merit Badge sessions is to test the Scout to determine if the requirements are fulfilled."''

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: ''"You must also be able to demonstrate the necessary knowledge for ALL of the requirements."''

Some merit badge days state publicly that they do not follow the Boy Scout Requirements or Advancement Policies.

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:''"Only Scouts who complete all Merit Badge requirements individually and completely with the degree of proficiency required by the instructor will have their Merit Badge card signed upon completion."''

*[http://www.apo.org/ Alpha Phi Omega] - A coeducational service fraternity in many US colleges and universities founded on the principles of the BSA and Scout Oath and Law.

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: ''"Scouts that do not complete all of the requirements for a particular merit badge at the Eagle Quest will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge back in their unit."''

: ''"Each of the programs below was developed to meet the needs of the respective badges, and staff at the Foundation are certified merit badge counselors. Some merit badges require more than one visit to the Foundation or extra activities to be done by the individual scout."''

:''"Inability to answer questions or show proficiency of skills will result in non-receipt of the Merit Badge. In such a case there will be no refund of any fees. Scouts who do not receive the badge on their first attempt can return within 4 months for a fee of $10.00."''

:''"To earn your merit badge, you will have to answer the questions posed in this booklet. Members of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity, will aid you by leading discussions of the topics, answering questions, performing demonstrations, and helping you to do experiments."''

:''"Merit Badge College is not a program that guarantees advancement. But, rather, it is an opportunity for Scouts to meet with qualified counselors, to help them earn the merit badges they need for advancement."''

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:''"Be certain the Scouts of your unit understand their obligation to fulfill the latest requirements and are in possession of the latest edition of merit badge books. "''

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:''"The MBC is a very resource intensive program and requires that we have at least one volunteer/instructor per 4 boys for each registered unit."''

Merit badge days are often hosted by local councils, districts, troops, civic groups, fraternities, or chartered organizations and held at a college campus, high school, civic area or during a camporee. Many merit badge events are held once a year as an indoor, outdoor, or combination event.

The largest merit badge event is the National Jamboree Merit Badge Midway, established at Fort A.P. Hill. Since 1981, this program has been held at each jamboree and is expected to feature hundreds of counselors offering nearly 100 merit badges to thousands of Boy Scouts at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree.

Since 1960, the Utah National Parks Council has sponsored a merit badge event called a Pow Wow. In 1970, the event began partnering officially with Brigham Young University. In 2009, over 4,300 scouts participated in earning merit badges at the event. In 2010, 32 different merit badges will be offered at this Pow Wow.

Contents

Overview

A merit badge event lets Scouts learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. An event may focus on a single merit badge or a variety of fields that might not normally be available. Observatories, planetariums, parks, museums, ships, colleges, universities, as well as police and fire departments may offer special events available only to Scouts and only one day each year. Scouts might learn first-hand from dentists, veterinarians, doctors, lawyers, financial planners, engineers, chemists, artists, astronomers, scientists, firemen, policemen, and other experts.

Merit badge events may also offer training in Scout Skills through First Class with a schedule similar to an Advancement Campout. Adult training, and youth leader training are often offered as well. Regardless of the setting or topics, the goal is to have fun as you learn new skills and gain knowledge.

Often certain requirements must be completed outside of the merit badge event either as preparation or with a merit badge counselor at a later date. A merit badge event may focus on a single merit badge or offer a variety of topics such as:

Merit Badge Requirements and Policies

Qualified: "They must be men and women of good character, age 18 or older, and recognized as having the skills and education in the subjects for which they are to serve as merit badge counselors, as well as the ability to work with Scout-age boys. - Advancement Policies #33088, p. 13

Each Scout demonstrates the skills and knowledge for each requirement. Many merit badge events use Merit Badge Worksheets to allow Merit Badge Counselors to offer group instruction but still test each Scout individually. The counselor can see who is understanding and who will need more time. Optional worksheets require the Scout to be an active listener, not just hearing words, but showing understanding of concepts.

Controversies

Many merit badge events follow the Boy Scout Requirements and Advancement Policies. But some merit badge events instead state that it is the merit badge counselor, not the Scout, who is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge. They test the merit badge counselor, not the Scouts.

"Scouts that do not complete all of the requirements for a particular merit badge at the Eagle Quest will need to complete the badge with a registered merit badge counselor approved for that particular badge back in their unit."

"Each instructor will issue assignments to be completed by the Scout between session."

"Each of the programs below was developed to meet the needs of the respective badges, and staff at the Foundation are certified merit badge counselors. Some merit badges require more than one visit to the Foundation or extra activities to be done by the individual scout."

"Inability to answer questions or show proficiency of skills will result in non-receipt of the Merit Badge. In such a case there will be no refund of any fees. Scouts who do not receive the badge on their first attempt can return within 4 months for a fee of $10.00."

"To earn your merit badge, you will have to answer the questions posed in this booklet. Members of Alpha Chi Sigma, the professional chemistry fraternity, will aid you by leading discussions of the topics, answering questions, performing demonstrations, and helping you to do experiments."

"Merit Badge College is not a program that guarantees advancement. But, rather, it is an opportunity for Scouts to meet with qualified counselors, to help them earn the merit badges they need for advancement."

"Be certain the Scouts of your unit understand their obligation to fulfill the latest requirements and are in possession of the latest edition of merit badge books. "

"The MBC is a very resource intensive program and requires that we have at least one volunteer/instructor per 4 boys for each registered unit."